During this season, we find that family and friends like to visit our paradise. A comfortable guest room comes in handy this time of year, so why not create one? Below are some tips on providing a guest oasis in your home. You might find that once you create this special room, it will become a place you can relax as well!

Four-star guest room accessory: A fresh flower placed on the bed

1. Focus on Soothing Walls – A paint job is the quickest and most cost-effective way to spruce up any room. Choose warm, neutral tints rather than bright colors. Fire engine red and bright yellow are not soothing colors that will encourage sleep.

2. What About the Floors? – Is the carpet worn or matted? If so, consider a steam cleaning, or use area rugs to hide worn spots if the budget won’t allow replacement. If the floor is tile or wood, place a small rug by the sides of the bed. Rugs and carpet also decrease the noise level.

3. Storage Space – Clear out a drawer or two, and make some space in the closet where guests can hang their clothes. Don’t forget the hangers! Plastic hangers are inexpensive and come in a rainbow of colors. A nice touch is to have a chest or bench at the foot of the bed to allow placement of a suitcase while packing and unpacking.

Your guests are visiting paradise, so be sure to place a bowl of tropical fruit in the room!

4. The Bathroom – A private bath is truly the ultimate in luxury. However, if a bathroom needs to be shared, be sure it is clean and free of clutter. A great way to let guests know you’ve been thinking about their comfort is to have towels and washcloths on their bed when they arrive. If they must share a bathroom with family members, make certain their towels are a unique color so there is no question about which towels belong to them.

To really make your guests feel extra special, provide them the same luxuries found in upscale hotels, such as: shampoo, herbal soap, toothpaste, hairspray, deodorant, and a disposable razor. You can display this bounty in a beautiful basket or container.

5. Homey Touches – Sometimes the details can make all the difference. A bouquet of fresh flowers and an aromatic sea breeze candle will evoke an “on vacation” feel. Provide your guests with drinking water in a beautiful pitcher.

Any of the following additions to the guest room will be much appreciated: an alarm clock, television, radio, telephone, books, and a reading lamp.

Have a wonderful time creating your guest oasis!